Panchayat teaches ‘greedy’ groom a pricey lesson in MP

A baraat was taken hostage by the residents of village Sonaura in Satna district on Friday night following a dispute between the groom and the bride's family over dowry and the subsequent refusal of the girl to marry the 'greedy' groom.

The village panchayat, which met following the dispute, asked the groom's parents to repay the expenses incurred by the girl's family over the preparation for the marriage.

20 members of the barat including the groom and his father were held captive till they paid.

Shivendra Rawat (23), resident of village Padaria in Rewa district, was scheduled to marry Nitu Kol (20) on Friday. Among the dowry items demanded by the boy's family was a particular brand of motorbike.

When the baraat arrived at Nitu's village, the groom got angry when he saw that the girl's family had purchased a different brand of motorbike and created a scene at the venue.

Irked by Shivendra's behaviour, the girl refused to marry him saying that she won't find happiness in the company of such 'greedy' people.

Despite persuasion, when the girl refused to relent, the village panchayat was called.

The panchayat refused to change the girl's decision and said the dispute started because of Shivendra's misbehaviour.

The panchayat further said the groom’s family must repay Rs 53,000 that the girl’s family spent on wedding preparations and till that time, 20 of the baraatis would remain hostage in the village.

It was only after the remaining members of the baraat returned with the money that the 20 baraatis were allowed to go home.